AGP Executive Report

AI Tourism: Saudi tourism is leaning into AI to plan trips and personalize recommendations, helping travelers cut through too many options and find more relevant stays and activities. Sports Tourism: The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and Pakistan Cricket Board signed an MoU to develop an international cricket stadium in Jeddah, aiming to boost sports tourism and a wider cricket ecosystem under Vision 2030. Hajj Logistics: Biman Bangladesh Airlines says it has completed its 2026 Hajj return operations, bringing back 34,464 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Hajj Prep: Saudi Arabia’s Hajj season planning continues with pre-registration activity for the next season, as authorities prepare for 2027 demand. Travel Tech & Airports: Middle East airports are expanding AI and biometric tech to improve passenger flow, while Saudi Arabia’s broader travel modernization keeps accelerating. Labour & Community Links: Kenya’s senior official Musalia Mudavadi begins talks in Riyadh focused on protecting Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia, a key part of people-to-people tourism and mobility.

Hajj & Pilgrimage: Bangladesh’s Biman Bangladesh Airlines says it has wrapped up 2026 post-Hajj returns, bringing back 70,935 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia via 220 flights, with final return flights landing as the season ends. Hajj Planning: Bangladesh’s religious ministry also urged next year’s Hajj hopefuls to submit details for 2027 pre-registration, including ID/passport, photos, mobile number and bank account, with registration deadlines aligned to Saudi’s Hajj roadmap. Saudi Travel Connectivity: flynas launched its first direct Budapest–Riyadh service (3x weekly in summer), adding another Central Europe link into Saudi Arabia and enabling onward connections across the Kingdom. Air Links for Travelers: Air India Express restored parts of its West Asia network, resuming Kuwait and Salalah routes and expanding connectivity for India–Gulf travelers. Tourism & Business Signals: Saudi real estate firm Al Tahaluf rebranded as HOV Global after K. Hovnanian ME Investments increased majority ownership, pointing to continued housing and hospitality expansion in Saudi Arabia. Sports Tourism Angle: Qatar beat India 65–56 in FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers, with Saudi Arabia next up in Jeddah on July 5—another reminder of how regional fixtures can drive travel demand.

flyadeal Network Expansion: Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal is rolling out a summer 2026 seasonal network with new routes to Milan and Prague, plus resumed services to Trabzon, Sarajevo and Sharm El Sheikh, running until Sept 26 with nearly 900 flights at peak. Aviation Disruption Watch: With Middle East airspace still unstable, several airlines are extending or adjusting suspensions and resumptions to hubs including Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai, keeping travel plans fluid. Jazan Tourism Boost: Jazan recorded 47% visitor growth in 2025, topping 4 million overnight visitors and pushing spending above SAR 3bn, driven by new attractions and infrastructure. Red Sea Heritage Push: A “Sunken Treasures” exhibition is spotlighting historic Red Sea maps, underlining the corridor’s role in trade, pilgrimage and cultural exchange. Cricket Stadium Deal (Jeddah): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed MoUs to develop an international cricket stadium in Jeddah, aligning sports investment with Vision 2030 and sports tourism. Hospitality Pipeline: IHG says all six of its Luxury & Lifestyle brands will be in Saudi Arabia by 2028, signaling a major upscale hotel push. Rural Tourism in Al-Baha: Al-Baha is expanding licensed rural farms as a summer draw, aiming to grow the number of operating farms as nature-based tourism develops. Hajj 2027 Pre-Registration: Hajj pre-registration is opening in 2027, with Saudi timelines and document requirements highlighted.

Hajj Wrap-Up: Saudi Arabia says Haj 2026 is now over, with the last pilgrims departing and services delivered via integrated operational, digital and field systems, including heavy use of Nusuk. Pilgrim Experience Tech: The ministry highlights Nusuk’s massive engagement (tens of millions of interactions) and tools like Nusuk Maps and the Digital Mutawwif service. Hajj 2027 Prep: Nigeria’s Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has opened early registration for 2027 Hajj with an initial deposit of N7.5m, urging timely payments and seat allocation vigilance. Religious Travel Rights: Amnesty International and Alqst report that people detained in Saudi Arabia over social media posts tied to religious/pilgrimage activity are facing lengthy jail sentences, raising fresh concerns for visitors. Connectivity Boost: flynas launched the first direct Budapest–Riyadh link, adding a new summer route that can funnel travelers onward across Saudi Arabia. Diplomatic Tourism Links: Saudi envoy Fahd Manikh met Nepal’s Speaker Aryal, pushing expanded labour, trade, investment and tourism ties ahead of the 50th anniversary of relations. Travel Safety & Screening: Independent Hajj Reporters calls for mandatory pre-registration security screening for 2027 Nigerian pilgrims after arrests of suspected militants returning from Hajj.

Hajj & Umrah Updates: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says the 2026 Hajj season has wrapped up with the last pilgrims departing, citing integrated land/sea/airport services and digital support. Hajj Planning: Pre-registration for Hajj 2027 has opened, with applicants urged to complete it by Sept 26, 2027 ahead of visa issuance in late Jan 2027. Pilgrimage Prep in Makkah: Preparations for the Kaaba washing ceremony are underway, with the General Authority detailing the traditional steps and resources mobilised for the event. Hospitality Expansion: Ascott will open Ascott Villas Riyadh in Q4 2026 (86 villas) to meet demand for premium extended-stay living. Hotel Pipeline: IHG plans to bring all six Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028 as it scales to 48 operating hotels and 62 in the pipeline. Air Connectivity: Riyadh Air adds Málaga and Kuala Lumpur, launching ticket sales and new routes as it builds its network. Tourism Demand: Saudi Arabia is rising as a top destination for Chinese travellers, supported by China’s Approved Destination Status and growing air links. Tech for Travel: Tabby secured Saudi Central Bank consumer and SME finance licences, enabling longer repayment options that can boost travel-related spending.

Hajj Wrap-Up: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says the last group of pilgrims has departed, marking the end of the 2026 season, with services delivered via integrated operational, digital and field support. Hospitality Tech & Innovation: Future Hospitality Summit Riyadh highlighted tech and innovation as key themes, with speakers pointing to faster, more personalised digital journeys for travellers. Air Connectivity Boost: Riyadh Air keeps expanding—launching direct Riyadh–Cairo service and adding new routes to Madrid (from July 17) and Kuala Lumpur/Malaga (ticket sales now open), strengthening Saudi travel links for both business and leisure. Aseer Summer Investment Push: Aseer Region Municipality is offering 44 seasonal tourism investment sites for the summer, aiming to upgrade infrastructure and grow events across cities and governorates. Travel Security at Borders: A passenger was offloaded in Islamabad for allegedly using a Saudi Umrah visa as a transit route to Cambodia, with authorities moving him to anti-human trafficking for investigation. Kaaba Ceremony: Makkah’s Deputy Emir led the annual ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba, with Zamzam water, rose water and oud used in the three-stage ritual. Airline Performance: flyadeal was ranked the most on-time airline in the Middle East for May 2026, with 93.37% on-time arrivals and 95.61% on-time departures.

Tourism Demand Watch: Saudi Arabia’s international tourism cooled as geopolitical tensions hit foreign arrivals, with visitors down 13% to 8.3 million in Jan–May and hotel occupancy easing to 63% (from nearly 75% in January), though domestic travel picked up—domestic tourists rose 16% to 28.9 million, keeping the sector moving. City Mobility: Riyadh Parking is trialing a monthly subscription for paid on-street parking—SAR 150 for a one-month pass—available via the Riyadh Parking app, covering over 20,000 paid spaces across the capital. Hospitality Growth: IHG says it will bring all six of its Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028, building on recent openings like Kimpton KAFD Riyadh. Aviation Upgrade: Saudia and Neo Space Group activated the first line-fit in-flight connectivity on the A321XLR, targeting faster onboard internet across key routes. Skills for Tourism: Red Sea Global graduated 386 trainees from its Red Sea Vocational Training Programme, focused on tourism and hospitality roles. Family Travel: The Sanya EDITION (Marriott’s luxury lifestyle portfolio) launched a steampunk-themed “Punk Planet” summer camp concept aimed at rethinking family vacations. Sports & Travel Context: World Cup hotel occupancy in some host markets has lagged expectations, with international visitor demand lower than planned—an indirect reminder for Saudi tourism planners watching global travel patterns.

Hospitality & Hotels: Minor Hotels signed NH Riyadh Prime Square Hotel in Riyadh’s King Fahad District, a 2030 opening with 121 rooms and rooftop leisure spaces, as part of the Prime Square mixed-use project. Luxury Expansion: IHG says it will bring all six Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028, building on recent openings like Kimpton KAFD Riyadh. Aviation Connectivity: NSG and Saudia activated the first line-fit skywaves in-flight connectivity on Saudia’s A321XLR, targeting low-latency, high-speed onboard internet. Tourism Skills: Red Sea Global graduated 386 trainees from its Red Sea Vocational Training Programme, supporting tourism and hospitality careers across its destinations. Accessibility Upgrade: Cluster2 Airports earned Level One Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation for 18 Saudi airports, boosting inclusive travel standards. Travel Rules: Saudi Passports Directorate urged citizens to protect passports and check validity before trips. Border/Customs Alert: Saudi services exports hit SR71.3bn in Q1 2026, with travel services at SR44.3bn, underscoring tourism’s economic weight. Regional Travel Security: Independent Hajj Reporters urged mandatory pre-registration security screening for Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj pilgrims after recent arrests tied to Hajj returns.

AI Tourism Vision: Saudi Arabia has launched an AI-led tourism strategy aimed at embedding smart technology across the visitor journey, marking a shift from constant announcements to longer-term innovation under the Year of AI 2026. AlUla Immersive Experiences: AlUla is rolling out hands-on heritage and nature activities, from traditional outfit workshops in Old Town to guided 4x4 tours and wildlife-focused excursions at Hegra. Customs Update for Travellers: ZATCA says travellers entering or leaving Saudi Arabia must declare cash and gold worth SAR 40,000 or more, with the rule applying to arrival and departure. Jeddah Waterfront Plans: Jeddah Central’s Red Sea mega-development is back in the spotlight, with plans for a marina, sandy beach, boardwalk, hotels, museums, an oceanarium and an opera house. Aviation Safety Watch: EASA extended its conflict-zone advisory for airlines operating in the region, urging caution around Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace and monitoring risk over parts of the Gulf including Saudi Arabia. Ras Tanura Incident: A helicopter crash near Aramco’s Ras Tanura killed 14 Saudi nationals, with an investigation underway. Riyadh Music: Tickets are now on sale for MDLBeast’s immersive “A Thousand and One” festival in Riyadh (Oct 29-30).

AI Tourism Push: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has launched an AI Tourism Vision to digitize the visitor journey, boost productivity, and help investors and operators—highlighting a new TourismX global AI platform (beta) plus an AI-powered Saudi MT App and a developer portal. Tourism Growth Platforms: The same initiative frames Saudi as a hub for tourism innovation, tying into the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism and rolling out AI tools for hotels and tour services. Summer Nature Escapes: Jazan is leaning into eco-tourism with 71 forests—mountain, mangrove, and valley sites—positioned for wildlife watching and nature-based trips. Local Attractions: Najran’s six artificial waterfalls are drawing summer crowds with night lighting and family-friendly facilities. Heritage Spotlight: Historic Jeddah marks 12 years on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reinforcing its role as a living cultural and tourism destination. Safety Update: A helicopter crash near Ras Tanura killed 14 people, prompting an Aramco-linked investigation. Visitor Demand Data: Saudi tourism figures show 1.1M Iraqi arrivals in 2025, with Egypt and Pakistan leading the foreign visitor list.

Saudi Summer Tourism Push: The Saudi Tourism Authority rolled out its “Unlock More” Saudi Summer 2026 offers platform, a single digital gateway with packages, discounts and seasonal experiences across Riyadh, Jeddah, Aseer, the Red Sea, Taif and Al-Baha, in partnership with 50+ private-sector tourism players. Tourism Startup Boost: The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) said it has completed its Grow Tourism Incubator for 30 startups, backing founders with mentorship, workshops, training and investor connections. Aviation for Pilgrims & Visitors: Riyadh Air launched its fourth destination with the Riyadh–Cairo route, using a Boeing 787-9 and adding a second daily flight from June 29. Hajj Safety Update: Nigeria’s Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency reported all 4,256 Kebbi pilgrims returned from Hajj 2026 with zero deaths (one patient remained in Makkah for treatment). Travel Rules Tighten: Saudi Arabia lowered the mandatory declaration threshold for cash and valuables at borders from SAR60,000 to SAR40,000, including gold and jewellery, with ZATCA given expanded inspection and seizure powers. Umrah Options from Riyadh: Sabeel Umrah expanded organized Umrah packages departing from Riyadh, adding VIP and economy tiers with bus, hotel and on-ground support. Road Disruption: Riyadh’s Fourth Ring Road section in Yarmouk closed for 40 days (June 28–Aug 7) for works, with drivers urged to use alternatives.

WWE in Riyadh: WWE Night of Champions lands at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday with Cody Rhodes vs Gunther vs Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship, plus King and Queen of the Ring finals and other title matches. World Cup travel buzz: Cape Verde stunned the group stage by reaching the Round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, setting up a knockout date with Argentina. Saudi visitor rules: Saudi Arabia tightened gold declaration rules for travellers, cutting the threshold to SAR 40,000 and requiring written customs declarations plus proof of purchase; undeclared items can be seized and fines apply. Road access update: Riyadh’s Fourth Ring Road section in Yarmouk closes for 40 days (from June 28 to Aug 7) with Airport Road intersection kept open. Security & borders: Saudi authorities arrested 15,231 illegal residents in a week and deported 11,297, while referring others for travel document processing. Hajj-linked enforcement: Nigeria says seven suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders were arrested at Katsina airport on return from Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

World Cup Fan Tourism: Hundreds of soccer fans turned Decatur Square into a mini World Cup hub with back-to-back match screenings, live music and food, including Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia and Uruguay vs Spain. Saudi Anti-Money Laundering: Saudi Arabia cut the gold/precious metals/jewellery declaration threshold for travelers entering or leaving to SAR40,000, down from SAR60,000. Hajj Travel Flows: 68,297 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims returned from Saudi Arabia via 188 flights, with deaths and hospital treatments reported in the latest bulletin. Ebola Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visa access for three African nations—DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan—over Ebola concerns, including restrictions for transit travelers. Security & Identity at Borders: Nigeria reported arrests of seven suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj, enabled by integrated digital identity verification. Airline Consumer Watch: Nigeria’s aviation regulator fined Saudi Airlines ₦6m over consumer protection-related breaches. Saudi Tourism Tech Push: Saudi Arabia moved from AI investment to implementation, focusing on scaling real-world value.

Geopolitics & Shipping: The US launched strikes on Iran after an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, putting a fragile interim peace deal under fresh strain; Iran also warned Gulf states not to back Washington, while the UN paused its Hormuz escort operation after another vessel reported an attack. Oil & Travel Mood: Oil prices slid as more tankers moved through the Strait, and Saudi Aramco resumed loading at Ras Tanura after a nearly four-month halt—good news for energy-linked travel confidence. Saudi Tourism & Travel Policy: Japan lowered travel advisories for seven Middle Eastern nations, including parts of Saudi Arabia, after a US-Iran security accord; Saudi also rolled out Electronic Travel Authorization for UK visitors. Aviation Consumer Watch: Nigeria’s aviation regulator fined Saudia (Saudi Airlines) ₦6m over consumer protection violations, a reminder that passenger experience is a tourism issue, not just an airline one. Saudi in the Spotlight: Saudi’s World Cup campaign stays in focus with Group H matches involving Saudi Arabia, including the must-win clash vs Cape Verde. Luxury & Brand Buzz: Saudi’s Amaala resort is reported to have opened, adding another high-end draw for visitors. Culture Calendar: Ashura (10 Muharram) is observed June 25-26, shaping travel rhythms for Muslim visitors.

Ebola Precautions: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and entry from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, halting visas and barring entry for anyone present in those countries within 21 days, while keeping health monitoring active at borders. Hotel Deal for KSA: Blacksand and Marriott International signed an agreement to develop 10 hotels across Saudi Arabia, totaling 1,300+ rooms, with the first expected in Riyadh and brands spanning luxury to extended-stay. Royal Travel Spotlight: Prince William’s February 2026 three-day Saudi visit topped the royal family’s most expensive trips list at £130,106, including staff planning trips. Saudi Travel Policy Update: Japan eased its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Eastern provinces to Level 2 (cancel nonessential travel), while Level 3 remains for other areas. Mobility for Tourists: SelfDrive expanded car rental operations in Riyadh and Jeddah to meet rising demand from residents, business travelers, and tourists. Regional Travel Risk Watch: With shipping tensions around the Strait of Hormuz in focus, Saudi Aramco resumed crude loadings at Ras Tanura after a near four-month halt, as markets weigh renewed supply-risk headlines.

E-Travel for Brits: Saudi Arabia launched an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for UK citizens from July 1, 2026, allowing tourism, short-term study and business stays up to 180 days with multiple entries, but excluding work, residence and Hajj visas. Ebola Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia suspended citizen travel and halted visas/entry for travelers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, including transit via third countries within 21 days, while saying no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases have been recorded since precautions began. Makkah Crowd Flow Update: The General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques set voluntary-prayer entry timings for Hijr Ismail (Hateem) in Makkah—women 6am-9am daily, men 10pm-1am—to regulate movement and improve the visitor experience. Riyadh Road Boost: RCRC kicked off a SAR 9.8bn fourth phase upgrading 40km of Riyadh’s main and ring roads, adding intersections, bridges, tunnels and pedestrian links to raise capacity to 950,000 vehicles/day. Hospitality Growth Deal: Marriott and Blacksand agreed to develop 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia (1,300+ rooms) as the country’s tourism and hotel pipeline keeps expanding. Air Connectivity: Akasa Air announced daily direct flights to Udaipur from Mumbai and Bengaluru starting Oct 15, 2026, betting on leisure and destination-wedding demand.